Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Sand Lizard Monitoring - Training in Wales

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation’s rearing and release programme is restoring the sand lizard to its historical range. Over the last few years sand lizards have been reintroduced to five sites in Wales, bringing this species back to a country from where it was formerly extinct. Chris Davis, who coordinates ARC’s rearing and release programme for sand lizards said, ‘It is really satisfying to bring sand lizards back to their historical range – but the geographic spread of the reintroduction sites does pose a logistical problem. We need to monitor the reintroduced lizards and we cannot get around all of the sites ourselves. So, this is an opportunity for local volunteers to become surveyors and make significant input to sand lizard conservation'.

The enthusiasm and support of South and West Wales Amphibian and Reptile Group means that a training course has been arranged from 11 to 14 May in the Tywyn, Gwynedd area.

'This course is open to people who wish to actively participate in both monitoring existing sand lizard populations within Wales and checking sites to which they have not yet been re-introduced', added Chaela Carrell of South and West Wales Amphibian and Reptile Group.

The course involves theory and field trips to local re-introduction sites where techniques will be learnt in the field and, with luck, lizards can be found. Trainees will be responsible for arranging their own transport and accommodation if necessary and a packed lunch will be needed for each day. To apply, please contact Chaela Carrell (c.carrell@npt.gov.uk).